How Do You Fashion

Nov 18 Style Voices: Rosena Sammi

Are you an accessory addict? Does your heart race at the sight of sparkly jewels and shiny gold? If the answer is yes then you will love this week's Style Voices #girlcrush Rosena Sammi. Rosena is the CEO and Creative Director of her eponymous jewelry company, and her personal style is exactly what you'd expect from the person who is in charge of the brand's over-the-top creations: bold and fun. And thanks to growing up in New Zealand, it also has a decidedly global flair. But she wasn't always the creative force behind a fashion company; for almost 10 years Rosena was a lawyer, pantsuits and all. Read on to find out how her style has evolved along with her career, and why she doesn't believe in having a "uniform".

Do you have a work-week "uniform"? I used to! I was a lawyer for almost ten years but since then I've dispensed with suits. Now I don't have one—every day I dress where my mood takes me and I really enjoy being able to showcase my personality in what I wear. But I work and live in New York so when I'm stuck I obviously revert to the NYC uniform: anything and everything black, which I dress up with bold accessories.

Is there something you wear that gets you compliments no matter how many times you wear it? Yes my Zaara necklace always grabs people's attention. I love that I can wear it with a white tee shirt or to a black tie event. I think people gravitate toward it because of how sparkly and colorful it is, plus it's Indian-inspired design makes it stand out. It really captures the spirit of my jewelry line.

Where is your favorite place to shop? I love markets—the noise, the haggling, the people all coming together to create an experience that is engaging and entertaining. Some of my favorites are the Sarojini Nagar and Karol Bagh markets in New Delhi, and the night markets in Jemaa el Fna in Marakesh. It feels so good to hunt for something unique and special, plus you'll always have a story to go with it.

What's the last thing you bought for yourself? I have a soft spot for things that sparkle. I bought a pair of Golden Goose high-top sneakers in gold sequins!

What's a unique thing you wear that's most "you"? I love big, bold jewelry, and will often customize pieces from my own collection for myself by making them 5 times larger! When it comes to my style, I will always mix in a bit of drama.

You mentioned you were a lawyer for ten years, how has that mindset crept its way into your current life as a CEO and Creative Director of your own jewelry company? As an advocate of equality and as the mother of two young girls, I have a deep desire to affect change for women. With my ‘Who's Sari Now?’ collection, I am able to accomplish those goals, while also doing something positive for the environment. The accessories in this collection are made from upcycled saris in partnership with Apne Aap, an Indian-based charity organization whose mission is to educate young girls rescued from the red light districts of India. The sales of these pieces will directly benefit these girls by paying for a set number of days or weeks of their education—the customer will know exactly how they are helping!